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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jimc on February 28, 2005, at 20:56:06
This is my first time writing in for advice or help from those of you who have been there.I just finished my last 37.5mg pill of effexor 2 days ago.I followed the prescribed discontinuation dosage from my doctor.The dreaded side effects have kicked in.Nausea,electric shock,dizziness,visual problems and emotional highs and lows.Its almost to much to bear.Can anyone tell me how long to expect these withdrawal symptoms to continue.I can't function like this.THANKS
Posted by bruin on February 28, 2005, at 20:56:06
In reply to Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by jimc on February 28, 2005, at 0:36:44
Your doctor, like many, obviously doesn't know squat about discontinuing these drugs. 5-10% cuts and wait for the body to stabilize. Taking the plunge like you did will only make things worse in the short and long term. I would go back up to 37.5, stabilize, and then start and go much slower. It will help immeasurably. In the meantime, flood the body with proper nutrients to aid in the healing process.
> This is my first time writing in for advice or help from those of you who have been there.I just finished my last 37.5mg pill of effexor 2 days ago.I followed the prescribed discontinuation dosage from my doctor.The dreaded side effects have kicked in.Nausea,electric shock,dizziness,visual problems and emotional highs and lows.Its almost to much to bear.Can anyone tell me how long to expect these withdrawal symptoms to continue.I can't function like this.THANKS
Posted by TheOutsider on February 28, 2005, at 20:56:06
In reply to Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by jimc on February 28, 2005, at 0:36:44
"The dreaded side effects have kicked in.Nausea,electric shock,dizziness,visual problems and emotional highs and lows.Its almost to much to bear.Can anyone tell me how long to expect these withdrawal symptoms to continue.I can't function like this.THANKS"
Tell me about it!
I stupidly assumed that withdrawals would not be that bad because I had had no difficulty starting Effexor.
I had narsty withdrawals when stopping Clomipramine, but I expected that I would have trouble stopping because I had trouble starting, and it was a med I deffinetly 'New' I was taking if you know what i mean! Because I had trouble starting, I new I would have trouble stopping, and I stopped it cold turkey.One morning I forget to take my 150mgs of Effexor XL, and started experiencing weired Headzaps
around Midday, a really unpleasant shock!Not quite sure how I'm going to stop it, I've heard Prozac can ease withdrawls, and you only need to take one dose because it has such a long half-life.
Posted by SLS on February 28, 2005, at 20:56:06
In reply to Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by jimc on February 28, 2005, at 0:36:44
You might want to check out the Psycho-Babble Withdrawal board:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/
- Scott
Posted by Bill LL on February 28, 2005, at 20:56:06
In reply to Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by jimc on February 28, 2005, at 0:36:44
Call your doctor today and ask him for a 2 week supply of Prozac. Prozac is relatively easy to discontinue and this strategy has worked for other people who discontinue Effexor.
> This is my first time writing in for advice or help from those of you who have been there.I just finished my last 37.5mg pill of effexor 2 days ago.I followed the prescribed discontinuation dosage from my doctor.The dreaded side effects have kicked in.Nausea,electric shock,dizziness,visual problems and emotional highs and lows.Its almost to much to bear.Can anyone tell me how long to expect these withdrawal symptoms to continue.I can't function like this.THANKS
Posted by bart on February 28, 2005, at 20:56:07
In reply to Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by jimc on February 28, 2005, at 0:36:44
I've heard other people suggest this (and this is what I will personally try when the time comes) but try dumping a little but more of the pellets from the 37.5 capsules each day as you go along to gradually lower the amount in your system each day.
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2005, at 20:56:07
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by bart on February 28, 2005, at 11:36:49
Yes, just gradually take less and less this should help. But, the Withdrawal Board is full of great suggestions, and has a lot of Threads on Effexor W/D. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by corafree on March 13, 2005, at 21:17:25
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2005, at 17:13:37
Tapered 225, 150, 75, 37.5 in approx 2 wks. Took last 37.5 yesterday.
I do have some left ICOE!
Only thing that's happening is like hot flashes, getting really hot/warm.
Besides above, and a bit of insecurity re: driving, that's about all I recognize.
The other meds which I do now take may have helped this withdrawal. They are Seroquel, Trileptal, and Valium 10 x3 a day.
Again, no IRL people are stepping up to help me, except my one daughter, but her husband, my fam' in IA, and other two children, think I am putting too much responsibility on her, monopolizing her. My son would rather I ride a bus, than ask him to come over to help me w/ something. I know it sounds like I'm feeling sorry for myself. Where has everybody gone, I keep asking myself. Guess they've tired of my 'neediness'.
I pray for God to take this 'neediness' and help me be happy w/o IRL people, w/o validationan being wanted, ... just to be my own little person and to somehow give, to those who have given to me, and to others I may be able to help in some way. Yes, I'm praying hard for this.
best wishes, cf
Posted by SLS on March 18, 2005, at 15:04:34
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL » Phillipa, posted by corafree on March 13, 2005, at 21:17:25
Hi CoraFree.
> Tapered 225, 150, 75, 37.5 in approx 2 wks. Took last 37.5 yesterday.
> The other meds which I do now take may have helped this withdrawal. They are Seroquel, Trileptal, and Valium 10 x3 a day.
Have you ever had to discontinue Effexor or a SSRI when you were not taking either Trileptal or Valium?
I think both drugs might have had a moderating effect on the development of a withdrawal syndrome for you. I was hoping that we could tease out any more information as to why you should have had such a relatively easy time of discontinuing Effexor this time. Perhaps you are not the type to suffer a withdrawal syndrome.
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by corafree on March 19, 2005, at 13:36:12
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL » corafree, posted by SLS on March 18, 2005, at 15:04:34
I can't even recall going off it twice before; there was always another AD following it, so been in la-la land and wearing the 'I'm o.k. mask.'
I've been watchin' for brain zaps, flu feelings, some awful things heard about discontinuing it, but nada, just 'hot flashes.'
I'm not betting that the mood stabilizer (actually anti-psychotic, (but I'm not psychotic)), the anti-epileptic (for epilepsy (which I don't have) and for mood stabilizer)), and Valium (the long lasting benzo so infrequently prescribed, but prob' what needed most, and not only at this time) were buffers for Eff-XR withdrawal, but if I had some money, I might.
I have mental clarity like I can't recall in years. I also had a tremor and it's better.
First began to have probs' about 22; crying for no reason. In a happy marriage, but 'crying and feeling out of sorts' caused me anxiety. The definition of anxiety is ... worry or uneasiness about what may happen, eager but uneasy desire to do well. My personality was happy-go-lucky and I was loved by a man I loved. Who wouldn't worry about what may happen if they sat around and cried half the time???
Finally (duh), saw the pattern of PMDD (dysphoric disorder). Dealing w/ 2wks of every 4, not my happy and carefree self; affected my thoughts as WORRIED WHY I didn't feel like me and WORRIED WHY others were treating me differently. Well, it ws because I was feeling differently and was acting differently. I had PMDD, hormones affecting my mood - that being referred to as dysphoria - the opposite of a feeling of well-being!! I think my reaction to that given situation is prob' pretty normal.
I don't know what progress has been made in the area of hormonal treatment, but almost 30yrs ago, it was an AD!
Then, of course, environmental stimulus, the man that loved me 'had lost me' nearly as much as 'I had lost myself' in worry and sadness.
I've always said that, for me, anxiety came before depression. But somewhere along the way ...I was told or asked or someone said I seemed like I was depressed. And, I was probably like, "yeah, I guess so, I mean, wouldn't you be if you were constantly worried, anxious, and in a sad MOOD, and which moods result in the loss of someone you love?"
Definition of depression - low spirits.
Definition of sadness - low spirits.I wonder how many people are on ADs, that are simply overwhelmed w/ anxiety because their MOOD is SAD.
Today, I think all these years of ADs did nothing. There was never any real relief of my mood, be it sad, angry, happy, whatever. Maybe that's another hypothesis for an easy withdrawal ... can't remember feeling in high spirits anyway!
I have like one symptom of bipolar & I don't like the label. When went to hospital for 'nervous system shutdown', two docs I'd never met before suggested this new regimen. I threw a fit, but finally succumbed, and I feel better than I have felt in such a long time.
But, everyone is gone, lovers and friends.
Pls don't freak out here, but I have chosen to view this as the 'grand' lesson of my life.
When two 'very good' docs saw me a few wks back now, I was not wearing my 'I'm not depressed mask.'
I think God took my mask, stepped in and slowed me down long enough for me to be clear about what it was that was going on with me.
I was a shaking, nervous wreck. BUT, my mental clarity was higher than I can ever remember! In moments of very deliberate eye contact, I managed to properly give this doc a definition of my condition, and he got it!!!!!
He 'got' that it was not about depressed; my thinking and speaking were very clear, as if they were separated from my body which was a wreck.
He got that it was about separating myself from a 10yr relationship, separation anxiety, courage, sadness, and happiness, and many more situations in my life which all welled up to a big giant feeling of 'feelings'.
Then, he and another doc said I didn't need an AD at all. Mentally I knew the seriousness of the nervous system shutdown that was happening to me. Mentally I was happy to be free of the aforementioned relationship.
Anyway, they said 'well, you don't seem so much depressed, as you do anxious and nervous'! I was like, whoa, someone is finally getting how I feel!
Maybe, physically, the many years of ADs may have done me nothing but harm.
I think that 'I'm o.k. mask' was all that ADs afforded me.
I'm sorry that benzos are addictive because I think they're not given when they are what is most needed.
I've been educated now about mood stabilizers. Yeah, I can really think now! Recent memory is better. I even have hope! And most important, I can feel.
There has been much pain behind my 'I'm o.k. mask' and I can look at that objectively for the first time. It's not just going away either. In fact, I have some laziness, pain, anger, and sadness to deal with today. But, that's o.k.
In DBT, I've learned some skills to cope w/ bad things in life which make your mood sad or angry.
I would certainly agree my nervous system has been injured, unallowed to express itself in our society, and I wonder and sort of think, dulled by ADs. I accept that part of this failure is my responsibility.
If I've said anything to help, I'm glad. If I've said anything to cause someone to question their feelings, I'm glad.
Consider your 'words' very carefully when you speak to a psych or a therapist or a social worker, or anyone who may play a part in your search for an answer to a discomfort for which you must seek help. And, immediately stand up for yourself if you feel you're not being heard or lumped into a category. If you're asked how you feel, and you don't know, do not be embarrassed to say just that..'I don't know'. If the person isn't making eye contact with you ... force it! If you walk away and think that's not what I meant to say, go back! Go back and make sure that it is understood that you used the wrong wording and feel you have relayed the wrong message.
Oh wow, I'm sorry. I got way off the track here.
Eff-XR withdrawal was something I'd been praying about because I cannot afford supplements/herbs, homeopathy, chinese medicine, accupuncture, etc., and cannot exercise as used to because of a back injury.
Why did I want to get off? That dulled feeling, and the controversy of Eff-XR.
I am in the most pivotal point of my life so far, and I have been doing a lot of praying.
Whatever it took to feel, I wanted it. I wanted to face horrible sadness, or maybe wonderful freedom from worry. I wanted to feel the past I'd never allowed myself to feel.
I wanted to do this for my Dad who passed away a year ago.
I have to agree w/ the majority rule that you don't titrate fast or cold turkey. I think that if you can afford alternatives, they seem to be a good idea.
From the above, I hope I've at least given someone things to think about, to question, and maybe even decipher a personal opinion.
I don't think I've posted this by myself ... :)
sorry so long, cf
Posted by weho on March 19, 2005, at 21:25:32
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by corafree on March 19, 2005, at 13:36:12
Amen to your post, Corafree. I was "put on" one AD after another after my mother died and I was crying. What was I supposed to do? So I dutifully went along with the HMO social worker, shrink and the private (expensive) psychologist. Now, almost ten years later I am off Effexor XR (most recent medication) and feel more alive even though I have periods of irritability and of sadness over articles, movies which would make anyone sad. I had no idea getting off Effexor was so fraught with hellish side effects. I think I got off, so far, pretty easily. I am now free of all effexor after months of tapering off and down to 0 mg on 3/8/05. Thanks to you all.
Posted by SLS on March 20, 2005, at 19:10:11
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by corafree on March 19, 2005, at 13:36:12
Hi CF.
You have me confused.
Exactly which drugs are you taking, and what are their dosages?
This is pretty important stuff, and I would hate to confuse things.
- Scott------------------------------------------
> I'm not betting that the mood stabilizer (actually anti-psychotic, (but I'm not psychotic)), the anti-epileptic (for epilepsy (which I don't have) and for mood stabilizer)), and Valium (the long lasting benzo so infrequently prescribed, but prob' what needed most, and not only at this time) were buffers for Eff-XR withdrawal, but if I had some money, I might.
Posted by corafree on March 21, 2005, at 0:41:31
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL » corafree, posted by SLS on March 20, 2005, at 19:10:11
Well, they use Seroquel as a mood stabilizer, but PDR would show it is an anti-psychotic. Of that, I take 25mg 3x a day and 100mg at sleep.
They use Trileptal as a mood stabilizer, but PDR (physicians desk reference) shows it as an anti-seizure med for epilepsy. Whoops, in earlier post I called it an anti-epileptic. Of that, I take 300mg 2x a day (9a and 5p).
Then, there is Valium, which ya' know is a benzo, but it is much more effective than klonopin or Xanax, as it is long-acting. Of that, I take 10mg 3x a day.
I take first doses about 9a, second doses about noon, and third about 5-6p. Then, the only one I take @ sleep is the Seroquel 100mg. I've been waking around 6a, but usually lie down and rest around 2-3p in afternoon.
The original scrip for Seroquel was 300mg at sleep. Must have felt a little groggy, because asked doc to go down to 100mg. Feel pretty well-rested on that, but may go back a bit higher. Still having hot flashes. But, have much better mental clarity, feel more 'in the moment' now, have less worry, and with less anxiety, my thinking is so much better.
Good night, cf
Posted by SLS on March 21, 2005, at 7:11:07
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL » SLS, posted by corafree on March 21, 2005, at 0:41:31
Thanks CoraFree.
I am working on a kindling model to explain the course of withdrawal syndromes.
If I'm barking up the right tree, your experience with Trileptal and Valium help bolster my hypothesis.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my query.
- Scott
Posted by corafree on March 26, 2005, at 14:08:07
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL » corafree, posted by SLS on March 21, 2005, at 7:11:07
Meant to follow up. You are welcome if anything I have said has helped.
There is one thing going on.
SWEATING, flushing, flashing, whatever is proper, upon awakening, either from a nap or nighttime sleep.
I apologize ahead of time for complaining about something that I view as a 'small and tolerable' problem for me.
This began happening about same time as whole nervous breadown thing.
Wonder if could be due to something other than the discontinuation of Eff-XR 225mg. Been on some sort of AD 20+ years.
Wonder if could be due to benzos; went from klonopin to Xanax to current 'Valium', and have been on one benzo or another (but never Valium),
for prob' 25 yrs.
Also, no more trazodone 100mg h.s. (taken for 10+ yrs). Been on some sort of AD 20+ years.I don't know which might be the culprit, or if my new meds; which, by the way, are helping me tremendously and I feel better than ever; are the culprit.
Anyone share insight??? cf
Posted by kjam on April 11, 2005, at 14:29:01
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by corafree on March 26, 2005, at 14:08:07
This med is hell. I absolutely loved how it kicked my depression, despite the loss of libido and weight gain, but no one every warned me of the withdrawals trying to get off it. I have made 5 different attempts so far, 4 of them failing. I just stopped the 37.5 mg 2 days ago with the same effects. Brain zaps, vertigo, nausea, drowsiness. A friend of mine recommended taking one Prozac when I would regularly take the Effexor and then stop the Effexor from there on. Apparently the Prozac stays in your body longer, so your body will wean itself off of it. It worked for her, but I have the same withdrawals. I am taking a 25 mg Meclizine three times daily for the vertigo, but the brain zaps are the hardest. HOW LONG DOES THIS LAST????????? I have a life to live and responsibilities to take care of. Someone help!!!!
Posted by lara22_3 on April 29, 2005, at 11:46:50
In reply to Re: Effexor discontiuation side effects are HELL, posted by kjam on April 11, 2005, at 14:29:01
I've just gotten off Effexor (150mg/day) after taking it for over three years. My family doctor put me on it to treat mild depression and anxiety as I was planning a wedding AND as my mother's doctor, he knew her prognosis when she had been diagnosed with cancer a few weeks before I went in to see him. He said it would make the extremes I was feeling much less extreme - which it did.
I was excited because I instantly noticed how it curbed my road rage. Stupid things didn't bother me as much. The wedding came and went - the best day of my life - and then my mom's passing came - less than two months after her diagnosis. I was beside myself with grief and VERY greatful to my doctor for putting me on the Effexor when he did (did I mention that he never said anything about the side effects - though I didn't ask - I needed somehting immediately or I was going to snap!). It really helped with all the crap following my mom's death for the next few years.
I finally got to the point where I was able to deal with all the emotional stress of the issues in my life (Buddhism, H.H. The Dalai Lama, meditation, and a very wonnderful support network - my husband and some great friends REALLY helped!). I decided I wanted to lessen my chemical dependence and de-toxify my life.
Now, I knew there were going to be withdrawl symptoms from the time I missed my first dose. I would take my Effexor every morning like clock work for the first month I was on it. Then one day I forgot and by 2pm, I was crazy dizzy! I would get bad hot flashes if I forgot it too - and then as soon as I would take it - more hot flashes for about 30-45 minutes until the med really got into my system. Though I hated the side effects, I love the medication!
I knew I had to titrate my dosage down in order to get off the med. Last Sunday was my last day and the past week has been weird. I was bulemic in high school - so I can handle nausea and vomiting well - I know that sounds bad. The worst part of me was the dizziness and the hot flashes - which contribute to the nausea.
I am also very lucky that my boss's wife takes Effexor - so he was always really great about understanding why and how it works. He also lives out of state, so my job was never in jeopardy (that I know of). I am able to work from home - which I had to do quite frequently.
BUT THERE IS HOPE! I am on my fifth day and my symptoms have subsided substantially. The first 2-3 days were the worst. I still have the dizziness and electro shock (which someone I work said would last for a while - intermittently). But it IS getting better. My doctor said that the first 3-5 days are the worst and I can feel the difference. I'm not as dizzy as I was and am starting to feel a sense of normality.
Hang in there! There is light at the end of the long and twisted tunnel. I actually prolonged going through the symptoms by taking the low dose because the dizziness was so bad - but don't do it! All you do is prolong the inevitable. It's not a great medication.
After you've been on the lowest dose for 1-2 weeks, take some time off of work (like a week if you can - or at least a long weekend) and stop taking the med. Be prepared for the side effects - don't have to drive anywhere or run out to the store - get it out of the way before hand or have someone pick up whatever you may need. Just stay home and suck it up - you'll get through it. Drink lots of green and/or white tea. The antioxidant properties will help cleanse your system. Drink lots of water too and if you can add lemon juice or fresh lemons to your water. Again, the lemons help clean everything out. This helps with side effects.
This is the end of the thread.
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